Sony PlayStation certificate sparks talk China may lift console ban

TOKYO/SHANGHAI (REUTERS) - Sony's PlayStation 3 has received a certification of quality from a Chinese safety standards body, sparking speculation that China will end a decade-old ban on home game consoles.

China has banned video game consoles since 2000, citing a need to protect the well-being of its young people. Some analysts cautioned against reading too much into Sony's new certificate, noting the organisation that gave it has no regulatory authority.

"The Ministry of Culture has the regulatory authority over the console segment and is the sole organisation that can revoke the ban," said Ms Lisa Cosmas Hanson, managing partner of US-based video games consultancy Niko Partners.

The China Quality Certification Centre website showed two models of the PlayStation 3, labelled "computer entertainment system" received approval this July. All products must pass the safety standard before they can be sold to Chinese consumers.